The Attack Of The Increase Taxes Bunch
By: Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President
Ever since the State of the State address and the release of the proposed 2011-2013 budget by Governor Sandoval, the advocates for increasing taxes have been diligently making their case – without actually offering a solid proposal for how they would do anything different (including putting a tax increases proposal on the table for public debate/discussion). This approach of finding fault – without offering solutions was called to attention when members of the Legislature’s Minority Party Leadership took the Majority Party’s tactics to task. As reported in this Nevada News Bureau story the two minority party leaders challenged those who find fault to set down the rocks being thrown and participate in a more meaningful approach…
Having watched this system work over the years, it is highly doubtful that we’ll see an actual tax increase proposal put out for legitimate consideration and public interchange very soon. First, “we have to dig down and figure out what’s in the budget proposal.”
There will likely be more of the same demonizing on details of the Governor’s proposal which are thought to be the most politically charged. In watching the “hearings” of the “budget overview” the sections of the budget which don’t have the sizzle potential for lambasting, don’t get much of a listening – move it along and don’t bother us with those details…that’s what the budget subcommittee meetings will be for…
"Ridicule is man's most potent weapon." - The fourth rule of 'Tactics' - Saul Alinsky's "Rules For Radicals"During the town hall meetings held in Las Vegas and Reno this past weekend there were no shortages of those who get from the Nevada checkbook saying that those who put money into the account the checks are written on – need to put more in. In some cases those making the case offered to contribute some of their own personal resources to help make it possible to keep (or even make bigger) the size of the checks being written from the state accounts. There were also a number of speakers who were more than willing to advance the cause of others paying a greater amount in taxes…with the target firmly tied to mining and possibly gaming.
Ever since the State of the State address and the release of the proposed 2011-2013 budget by Governor Sandoval, the advocates for increasing taxes have been diligently making their case – without actually offering a solid proposal for how they would do anything different (including putting a tax increases proposal on the table for public debate/discussion). This approach of finding fault – without offering solutions was called to attention when members of the Legislature’s Minority Party Leadership took the Majority Party’s tactics to task. As reported in this Nevada News Bureau story the two minority party leaders challenged those who find fault to set down the rocks being thrown and participate in a more meaningful approach…
“Nevadans deserve an honest and open debate. We call on Nevada leaders regardless of ideology or party affiliation to spend a little less time on rhetoric and a little more time working together toward real solutions.”We’re only a few days away from the official start of the 2011 Nevada Legislature (Monday, Feb. 7th). It is good to see that there are a variety of legislators who have already stood up to be counted in the exchange we hope will evolve into substantial and very open policy-oriented conversations. If somebody who wants to see a tax created or an existing tax increased will come forward and actually make the proposal(s) for evaluation, we can examine the merits or disadvantages and get to the determination of who’s going to be picking up the tab for the spending that those who cash government checks want to see keep coming. We’ll also be able to see whether the votes are there to pass the proposals.
Having watched this system work over the years, it is highly doubtful that we’ll see an actual tax increase proposal put out for legitimate consideration and public interchange very soon. First, “we have to dig down and figure out what’s in the budget proposal.”
There will likely be more of the same demonizing on details of the Governor’s proposal which are thought to be the most politically charged. In watching the “hearings” of the “budget overview” the sections of the budget which don’t have the sizzle potential for lambasting, don’t get much of a listening – move it along and don’t bother us with those details…that’s what the budget subcommittee meetings will be for…
Posted by Doug Busselman at 2/2/2011 5:02 PM 
Categories: 2011 Nevada Legislature
Tags: Nevada Budget and Taxes
Categories: 2011 Nevada Legislature
Tags: Nevada Budget and Taxes
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